Obama Names Michael J. Copps as Acting FCC Chair

January 27, 2009

By Jennifer Hull

President Obama has named democrat Michael J. Copps as acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman. Copps has served as an FCC commissioner since May 31, 2001 with his current term set to expire June 30, 2010.

Copps service as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce from 1998 until January 2001 where he worked to improve market access ad market share for nearly every sector of American industry, including information technologies and telecommunications. He devoted much of his time to building private sector-public sector partnerships to enhance U.S. success in the global economy.

Michael J. Copps Thanks President Obama for FCC Appointment

In a statement, Copps said, "I am honored to be designated today as Acting Chairman of the FCC.

I thank President Obama for his confidence in me and for this opportunity to serve. I know that I have a truly gifted and terrific team to work with. I pledge every effort I am capable of to help steer the Commission through its current transition to new leadership."

FCC Commissioner Adelstein Praises President Obama's Appointment of Copps

In response to Copps' appointment, FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein released a statement, saying, "I am thrilled to congratulate my good friend and trusted colleague, Michael Copps, on his designation as Acting Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC will benefit from his leadership, experience, and abiding commitment to the public interest. He understands that public service is a sacred trust with the American people, and he has repeatedly demonstrated his sterling character, willingness to build consensus, and deep commitment to serve all Americans. During our six years on the Commission, he has consistently worked to ensure that consumers reap the benefits of a responsive and diverse media, robust and ubiquitous broadband Internet access, and reliable public safety communications. With the transition to digital television almost upon us, he will provide urgently needed guidance to put us back on track. On a personal level, I look forward to continuing the close relationship th at we have forged working together on these and so many other important issues. The American people will be well served by him at the helm of the FCC."